Over 5,000 instances of force were recorded against children in Danish care facilities in 2023, raising concerns about the protection and well-being of vulnerable youth. The existing system for reporting and monitoring these incidents is plagued by inefficiency and a lack of transparency, hindering the ability to ensure proper care for children placed outside their homes.

One percent of children and young people under 18 in Denmark, totaling over 12,000 individuals in 2023, reside in 290 different approved facilities among 633 children’s and youth homes. Advocates are alarmed by the potential for unregistered uses of force and unheard experiences of children within these facilities.

The current government policy mandates statutory inspections of placement sites only every three years, a period deemed unacceptably long for children living with insecurity and potential abuse. Critics argue that this extended timeframe can lead to a decline in standards and an increased risk of violence within placement homes. Past incidents involving convicted employees further underscore this concern.

The current system for reporting uses of force involves manual forms sent via email to the Social Inspectorate, which then transfers the data to Excel sheets. This outdated and inconsistent process makes it nearly impossible to compare data across different inspectorates or gain a comprehensive national overview of how children are being treated.

Calls are growing for a modernized system that allows for nationwide data collection and analysis, ensuring that children’s voices are heard and that timely action can be taken to prevent harm. Experts emphasize the need to strengthen the professionalism of educators working with placed children, requiring specialized skills, insight, and empathy.

Currently, employment in these roles requires only a child certificate. Advocates propose a certification scheme for children’s and youth homes, requiring them to document their efforts in preventing and managing uses of force. This certification would be a prerequisite for approval by the Social Inspectorate.

The long-lasting trauma inflicted by the use of force on placed children highlights the urgent need for societal action.